I am the champion of palace intrigue, and even the proud prince bows his head in submission.

Chapter 407 The whole family celebrates for Xie Jing.

The Empress Dowager nodded upon hearing this, "In that case, prepare well. The matter of bestowing the title of Imperial Concubine must not go wrong in any way."

This child was hard-won.

Given Gao Xian's personality, this child is probably her only grandson!

The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment, then instructed, "Wanqing is still in her early stages of pregnancy and her pregnancy is not yet stable. The ceremony for her investiture must be shortened and not delayed for too long."

"Furthermore, none of the concubines in the harem are allowed to leave tomorrow, lest any of them have any foolish thoughts and cause unnecessary trouble!"

"Granny Wei, you will personally oversee this matter and ensure that every detail is meticulously handled."

"After the investiture ceremony, I will bring Wanqing back to Shou Kang Palace immediately. I am worried about leaving her out there."

Qinglan Courtyard.

As night fell, the lights inside the house were soft.

A maid entered carrying a tray. In the blue and white porcelain dish was a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup, and in the Longquan porcelain cup were steamed fish and stewed soup, with a fragrant aroma wafting through the air.

The bowls and plates were neatly arranged, and the soup was steaming.

Now we don't have to eat in the main courtyard anymore; we eat in our own courtyard every night, and the dishes we make are all things the children like.

Qin Jiuwei served each of the three a bowl of fish soup.

After putting down the soup spoon, she looked at Xie Jing and said, "I have already sent someone to Wutong Academy to inform the headmaster that you don't need to go tomorrow."

Xie Jingchun was drinking soup when he heard this and was taken aback.

She quickly turned to look at him and blurted out, "Second brother, aren't you going to school?"

Xie Jing gently shook his head.

"It's not that I'm not going to school, it's that I'm transferring schools," Qin Jiu said with a smile.

She then briefly recounted what had happened that day.

Xie Jingchun listened intently, and Xie Jue couldn't help but open her mouth wide, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Xie Jing.

"Second brother, you're so amazing!" Xie Jue exclaimed excitedly, his eyes filled with admiration.

Xie Jingchun nodded repeatedly, "I knew my second brother was good at studying, but I never expected that even Master Gu would be willing to take him in!"

He raised his teacup, a hearty smile playing on his lips.

"We're so happy today, let's celebrate with tea instead of wine for our second brother!"

"Howl!" Xie Jue immediately chimed in, raising his small teacup high.

Qin Jiuwei also smiled and raised her hand.

Xie Yanli's eyebrows twitched slightly; he wasn't used to this method.

Qin Jiu glanced at him and quietly nudged him with her elbow. Their eyes met.

He couldn't help but smile wryly.

He then raised his teacup.

Seeing everyone raising their glasses in celebration, Xie Jing hesitated for a moment, then glanced down at the teacup beside him.

She pursed her lips slightly, and her ears were subtly tinged with a light red.

He finally raised the teacup, his movements slow and slightly restrained.

He simply said in a low voice, "Thank you everyone."

The whole family raised their teacups and congratulated Xie Jing on his good news, their laughter echoing in the hall.

Unlike the lively laughter and chatter at Qinglan Courtyard, Cuihua Courtyard was unusually quiet at this moment.

There was no noise in the hall, only the sound of the wind gently blowing through the window lattices.

Madam Zou sat in the center of the main room and spoke slowly.

"Did Master Gu say anything more?"

Zou Jingwen lowered his head, a hint of helplessness flashing across his face, and shook his head.

"No, the sir didn't say anything more."

Zou Qinghe sighed, his expression showing a hint of helplessness and disappointment.

He glanced at Zou Jingwen, who was looking down, a hint of heartache flashing in his eyes, and then patted him on the shoulder.

"Jingwen, don't take it too hard. Master Gu is very arrogant. It's not that you haven't done enough, it's just that the time isn't right yet. You'll have plenty of opportunities to show yourself in the future, so there's no need to rush."

Zou Jingwen nodded.

He was somewhat disappointed, but quickly accepted it.

He is indeed lacking in talent, there's nothing to say about that.

The only thing I can do is continue reading and improving myself.

Madam Zou remained silent for a moment, then said nothing more.

After a long while, she said in a low voice, "The reason I came to the capital this time was to see Master Gu. Now that we have seen him, there is no need to stay any longer. Let's set off back as soon as possible."

Zou Jingwen looked up at Madam Zou and said, "Grandmother, I want to stay in the capital."

"Since I have no chance with Jingyuan Academy, I will try to apply to Qingfeng Academy."

Madam Zou frowned slightly, but finally agreed.

Zou Qinghe had no objections.

When a child is eager to learn and strives for excellence, how can any parent not support them?

The maids and servants immediately began to tidy up upon hearing the order.

People came and went in Cuihua Garden, carrying boxes back and forth.

Amidst the chaos, Madam Zou appeared remarkably calm.

She turned her gaze to the window.

The shadows of the trees in the distance swayed in the wind, and dappled moonlight filtered through the intertwined branches and leaves.

The night was cold and gloomy, adding to the silence and desolation.

Madam Zou shifted her gaze slightly, "Qinghe, we're leaving the capital tomorrow, and I'd like to pay my respects to Wanwan one last time."

The next morning, the thin fog had not yet dissipated.

A spacious carriage was parked early in front of the Marquis's residence.

Madam Zou, dressed in dark silk, nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for your care these past few days."

Xie Yanli bowed slightly, "Grandmother, you're too kind. Take care on your journey."

Qin Jiuwei nodded in agreement.

Zou Qinghe helped his mother into the carriage, then turned back to look at Zou Jingwen one last time.

Then he got into the carriage.

The carriage quickly disappeared from everyone's sight.

Qin Jiuwei turned to look at Zou Jingwen beside her, "With the Zou family gone, it's really not appropriate for you to be alone in the capital. Why don't you continue to stay at the Marquis's residence?"

"Thank you for your kindness, Aunt," Zou Jingwen replied respectfully, then shook his head.